Hi my family of 4 has an Overseas Visitor Pass with plans to visit Stonehenge...unfortunately on a Saturday and in August. Yes, I know it will be busy but we don't have a choice. On the same Saturday, our hope is to drive to some nearby towns as well such as Salisbury or Glastonbury, so time will be of the essence to try to fit as many sites in as possible. Since I have to reserve a specific timed entry at Stonehenge, how does visiting Stonehenge at the end of the day, say 16:00 or 17:00 compare to visiting at 9:00 in the morning? Is it far more uncomfortable and crowded? We will be staying the night before in Bath and driving over as well as driving back to Bath that evening.
Posted by
Louisville, KY, USA
255 posts
If you plan your visit very late you might want to try this:
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge/plan-your-visit/stone-circle-access-visits/
Posted by
Portsmouth
5256 posts
Either or. I'm not sure about August opening times however I'm pretty sure it doesn't open until 09.30. If so, this time should be fine. I find from 11.00 onwards is when the crowds come and they'll be tailing off from around 15:00. It depends on what appeals to you most, an early departure from Bath or a later arrival in Bath? Personally I'd prefer to hit Stonehenge early, visit Salisbury cathedral and have lunch in Salisbury before returning to Bath for the afternoon and evening.
Skip Glastonbury unless you're well into crystals, tarot cards and hemp clothing.
Posted by
Yorkshire
1277 posts
Heed the wise words of JC, he knows whereof he speaks.
Given a choice between Salisbury and Glastonbury, I'd go with Salisbury every time. However if you are in the Glastonbury area, Wells and it's cathedral are excellent. If you've decided on Glastonbury, climbed the Tor and had your aura realigned, and are faintly disappointed, head to nearby Wells!
Have a great trip wherever you go!
Ian
Posted by
3122 posts
Since you're driving to Stonehenge from Bath and back, I'd recommend a stop to see Avebury and walk at least part of the Avebury stone circle. The Red Lion pub is right next to the stone circle and serves pretty good food at an affordable price.
From Bath, follow the A4 (Box Hill / Bath Road) eastward to Avebury and further to Marlborough, then turn south and pick up the A346 to the A338, which takes you through part of the Savernake Forest and connects with the A303. (You could take A345 all the way down from Marlborough, but it's a narrow secondary road with many twists & turns & potential roundabout misdirections.)
Just before you get to Stonehenge, if you exit the A303 at Countess Road (A345) and go a stone's throw north, you'll be at Durrington Walls & Woodhenge, which you really should stop and see as part of your Stonehenge experience.
If you visit Avebury and Durrington Walls / Woodhenge in addition to Stonehenge, you'll have a reasonably full day.